Uncovering the beauty hacks of local Miss SA finalists

0
573

This year’s Miss South Africa pageant boasts a host of lovely talent fresh out of KZN. From a qualified doctor to legal eagles and an aspiring civil engineer, they share some of their favourite beauty secrets (and a special message for Women’s Month) with us.

Karishma Ramdev – Top 15

Hailing from Chatsworth, Karishma (25) is a qualified medical doctor working at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. Blessed to have had her family as her support structure during this stressful time working on the frontline in one of the main COVID-19 hospitals, Karishma says if she wins Miss SA, she’d like to meet Queen Elizabeth II so she can ask her advice on how to keep her crown shiny!

Karishma’s beauty hacks:

  • When doing my make up, I apply quite a lot of loose translucent powder under my eyes and on the corners of my mouth. I leave it there while I do my eye shadow and then dust it off afterwards. It prevents any under-eye and mouth creases for the entire day.
  • The secret to a flawless foundation finish is a healthy skin base. I go for monthly peels to keep my skin healthy and exfoliated.

Karishma’s wardrobe must-have:

Wow, I’ve got so many. But, if I had to single out one, it would be a pair of black thigh-high, shiny high-heeled platform boots I bought a year ago. They make me feel powerful!

A message from Karishma:

The very essence of a woman is love and selflessness. We are powerful and strong and should be seen as nothing less. So much is taken for granted about the role of a woman and it’s time we stand up for ourselves. The struggle isn’t over, and together we need to continue changing the mind of society. Let’s stand together! No is NO.

 

Matsepo Sithole –  Top 15

Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Matsepo (21) is a full-time 4th year law (LLB) student at the University of Pretoria. Her goal in getting her degree is to assist with transformation and justice in South Africa. An introvert who is optimistic, caring and assertive, Matsepo says current Miss SA Sasha-Lee Olivier has inspired her by being a constant reminder of why it is so important to be comfortable in your own skin. She believes all women are beautiful – regardless of their shape and size.

Matsepo’s beauty hacks:

  • I use baby shampoo to clean my beauty blenders and makeup brushes because the baby shampoo leaves them super clean and soft.
  • I love mascara, so whenever I run out of it and I need to get ready, I always place it in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes to allow the mascara to liquidise again.

Matsepo’s wardrobe must-have:

Underwear, because the confidence I exude, and the confidence people see starts with what is underneath. Good underwear doesn’t only make me feel girly, but also contributes to the appearance of my outfit – because every outfit requires particular underwear. Most importantly, it helps me to embrace my womanhood. It is just one of the things I do for myself.

A message from Matsepo:

‘Wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo’. This quote is nothing but the truth and I believe every woman embodies these words. But what if there comes a time when she is silenced, abused and degraded? We, as the young women of South Africa, simply cannot weaken in comfort. Audre Lorde said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” So, may we resist comfort, critically analyse the world, find ourselves and our purpose and may we never, under any circumstances lose ourselves.

Jamie-lee Harris – Top 35

A Bachelor of Law student at the University of South Africa, Jamie-lee Harris (24) originates from Bluff. A model represented by Ice Models Johannesburg and Models International Durban and a fashion entrepreneur specialising in female tailored suits, outside of her studies she enjoys reading, exercising and recently completed the Soweto Marathon.

Jamie-lee’s beauty hacks:

  • Mixing highlighter with a setting spray. It hydrates your skin and gives you a fresh heavenly glow. I recommend adding some crushed highlighter powder of your choice (or a shimmery pigment) to Mac’s Fix it, Prep and Prime hydrating mist, give it a shake and voila! Spray it all over your face to achieve an all-day glow.
  • I steam and mask at least once a week. As an additional prep before applying a face mask, I steam my face to open up my pores. I recommend using a bowl of boiling water and placing your face over the steam (remember to keep a reasonable distance to avoid getting burnt). After steaming your face, use a mask of your choice depending on your skin needs. I usually use a clay mask, as it is effective in detoxifying the skin and regulating sebum production, therefore providing a softer, smoother and more glowing skin.

Jamie-lee’s wardrobe must-have:

A tailored blazer by me (Tailored By JR). It is very versatile; I use it formally for work or casually for a day out. My tailored blazer gives me endless outfit possibilities and I wear it year-round.

A message from Jamie-lee:

“I’m a woman Phenomenally.” ― Maya Angelou

Push yourself and be a leading voice. As women we are resilient and strong and can overcome any obstacles. Always believe that you are destined for greatness. Follow your passion – be it advocacy for women’s rights, a career or your community. Dare to dream because your dreams are valid, and be bold. Be fearless – open that business you have dreamt of, send your resume to the company you have always wanted to work for or book that amazing holiday you have been contemplating for years. Our time is now! Perseverance is key, you have to stay motivated, determined and confident.

Kadija Makhanya – Top 35

All the way from Umlazi, Kadija (23) is a final year civil engineering B.Tech student at the Tshwane University of Technology. Her goal is to specialise in construction management and contribute to infrastructure development in South Africa and the African continent. She has two younger sisters and enjoys going to markets, taking long walks and coffee dates with friends. Her favourite meal is beef curry with steamed bread.

Kadija’s beauty hacks:

  • Rice water – I use rice water for my natural hair once every two weeks. It is a great conditioner; it protects my hair from damage and promotes hair growth.
  • Lemon juice and honey – I use it once a week as a face mask after cleansing my skin. It helps clear up my skin and leaves it with a natural glow.

Kadija’s wardrobe must-have:

Good quality jeans. It’s easy to coordinate an outfit with jeans. Paired with a basic tee, you can wear them casually or dress them up with a crisp white shirt and blazer. Jeans are my go-to item.

A message from Kadija:

We live in a time where individuality is celebrated. Now is the time for women to embrace our strengths and uniqueness. We can do anything we want and be anything we wish to be. Despite the limited opportunities we’ve been given, we have proved our worth in society. Let us continue to stand up, be brave and courageous and assert ourselves in our purpose to create a better future for us as women.

 

Lesedi Phala – Top 35

Another Pietermaritzburg beauty, Lesedi (24) is a final year LLB student at the University of the Free State. On completion of her degree, she plans to venturing into business. She believes it’s beneficial to have a legal background as an entrepreneur. She listens to ‘90s R’n’B, watches America’s Next Top Model and The Amazing Race and loves to eat anything with seafood. Oh, and her big crush is Drake!

Lesedi’s beauty hacks:

  • High SPF sunscreen is your best friend. It hydrates your skin, prevents sun damage and, importantly (for women!) it helps protect against the visible signs of premature ageing.
  • Rose gold setting spray. While some prefer a matte make-up look, I always opt for a dewy finish to my make-up. This setting spray gives your skin a healthy, youthful glow and gives the illusion of having minimal make-up on, so it’s definitely a favourite!

Lesedi’s wardrobe must-have:

I never go anywhere without a good pair of high-waisted jeans. I love how versatile a simple pair of denims can be, as you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. They’re suitable for summer and winter and they do wonders for your figure.

A message from Lesedi:

I want women to know that female leadership should not just be confined to women-related issues.  We are capable of leading large organisations and big topics such as poverty alleviation. Leadership is inherent in every woman and I really aim to instill this belief in young women. We should be vocal on pertinent issues such as gender-based violence. Let us be the voice for those who are silenced.

Advertisement